This homemade cilantro lime cauliflower rice is low carb, gluten free, and perfect for making Chipotle-inspired meals at home!
Want to make burrito bowls at home that taste like Chipotle? This cilantro lime cauliflower rice paired with fajita veggies, guacamole, roasted sweet potatoes, and black beans is a delicious, veggie-packed alternative that rivals the restaurant version.
Cauliflower rice is low carb, vegan-friendly, gluten free, and an excellent swap for traditional rice. It’s a great way to boost your vegetable intake while keeping meals light and flavorful.
What type of cauliflower to use
Use fresh riced cauliflower for the best texture and flavor. You can grate a head of cauliflower yourself, but buying pre-bagged fresh riced cauliflower from the produce section saves time and gives chunkier pieces than most frozen options. The chunkier pieces hold up nicely when sautéed and give a satisfying bite.
How to make cilantro lime cauliflower rice
Step 1: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Butter adds a rich flavor here, but you can substitute olive oil or vegan butter if you prefer.
Step 2: Add diced yellow onion and cook 3–5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook about one minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the riced cauliflower and sauté, stirring often, for 7–10 minutes until softened. Cook longer if you prefer a softer texture; around 10 minutes keeps a bit of bite.
Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in chopped fresh cilantro and lime juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Tips for recipe success
- Use fresh produce: Fresh lime, cilantro, onion, and garlic make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Buy pre-riced cauliflower: If available, pre-bagged fresh riced cauliflower speeds up prep and gives a better texture than frozen for this dish.
- Adjust seasonings: Add more lime for extra brightness or extra cilantro if you love its flavor. Salt and pepper last so you can taste and tweak at the end.
This rice is wonderful served with fajita veggies, crispy tofu or another protein, black beans, salsa, and your favorite toppings. It also works as a side dish or in a low-carb Mexican-style casserole. The cilantro lime cauliflower rice is a flavorful keto and low-carb option that pairs well with many meals.
Try this Chipotle-inspired dish at home when you want a light, veggie-forward meal without sacrificing flavor.
More Mexican Inspired Recipes
- Vegan Burrito Bowl
- Vegetarian Burrito Bowl
- Refried Beans
- Enchilada Tofu Burrito Bowl
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
- 16 oz fresh riced cauliflower
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced yellow onion and cook 3–5 minutes, until soft.
- Add minced garlic and stir for one minute until fragrant.
- Add riced cauliflower and sauté, stirring often, for 7–10 minutes until softened.
- Remove from heat, stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice, season with salt and pepper, toss to combine, and serve immediately.
Notes
How to buy cauliflower rice for this recipe
This recipe works best with fresh riced cauliflower from the produce section. You can also make your own by grating a head of cauliflower. Frozen cauliflower rice tends to be softer and wetter, so it won’t give the same texture in this dish.